NSCBM Government PG College, Hamirpur, Himachal Pradesh

NSCBM Government PG College, Hamirpur Himachal Pradesh is a recognised institute / college. NSCBM Government PG College, Hamirpur Himachal Pradesh was established on / in 1965.

NSCBM Government PG College, Hamirpur Himachal Pradesh is situated in Hamirpur of Himachal Pradesh state (Province) in India. This data has been provided by www.punjabcolleges.com. Mobile No(s) of concerned persons at NSCBM Government PG College, Hamirpur Himachal Pradesh are 9418158505, 9418482020, 9418466095.

NAAC report of NSCBM Government Post Graduate College

SECTION- I :
INTRODUCTION :
Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Memorial Govt. Post Graduate College Hamirpur (NSCBM PG College) was established way back in 1965 with only 165 students and 14 lecturers. This college, today is brimming with academic activities and has more than 70 teachers and students strength of 4500. It is catering to Undergraduate programmes in the Faculties of Arts, Science and Commerce, Post Graduate programmes in Economics, English, Hindi and Commerce. In addition, it is also providing a Computer Applications Programme as vocational subject and self financing course: BCA. In nomenclature of this college, the name of Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Memorial was added with a view to pay befitting tributes to the valiant soldier under whose command INA forces fought with British army. They were just knocking at the frontier of India with the support of Japanese forces when the later had to surrender to the allied forces. This brought an end to the war but not the ideals of Netaji. More than this, the nomenclature is also in consonance with the motto of the college 'Veerta or Balidan'. Hamirpur district today has become an important centre of higher education because of the growth of this college and also establishment of National Institute of Technology.

The College presently is affiliated to Himachal Pradesh University, Shimla. It is getting grants from the UGC, thereby implying that it is covered under section 2(f) and 12B, of UGC Act, though the exact date of its recognition by the UGC to the above fact is not available in the college record. It is an urban college cent percent funded by the State Government.

Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Memorial Govt. Postgraduate College, Hamirpur volunteered to be assessed by the National Assessment and Accreditation College by submitting their self-study report. National Assessment and Accreditation Council constituted an expert committee to visit the college and validate its self-study report. The Peer Team comprises Prof. H.S. Soch, former Vice-Chancellor of Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar, Punjab, as Chairperson, and Prof. C.Manoharachary, Dean Faculty of Sciences, Osmania University, Hyderbad and Prof. Anil Rao, Principal, Moolji Jaitha College, Jalgaon, Maharashtra, as members. The team visited the institution for two days i.e. on 16th and 17th April, 2004.

The Peer Team carefully perused and analyzed the self-study report submitted by the institution. During institution visit, Peer Team went through the relevant documents, visited the departments and interacted with the various constituents of the institution. The academic, co-curricular, extra-curricular, sports and other facilities of the institution were visited. The Peer Team also interacted at length with the Principal, faculties, students, non-teaching staff, parents and alumni of the institution. Based on the above exercise and keeping in mind the criteria identified by the National Assessment and Accreditation Council, the Peer Team has taken up the assessment and accreditation of the college.

SECTION 2: CRITERION-WISE ANALYSIS
Criterion I: Curricular Aspect:
The NSCBM Govt. Post Graduate College, Hamirpur (HP) offers four undergraduate courses and four Post Graduate courses. The college imparts teaching as per the syllabus framed by Himachal Pradesh University. The teachers keep abreast of the modern trends in their respective subjects by attending Refresher Courses, Orientation courses, workshops and seminars/conferences. The teachers also utilize the facilities available besides suitable text books, reference books, scientific articles published in research journals etc. The admission procedure followed is transparent and it is as per H.P. University guidelines. The courses offered give opportunity to the students to move to higher education such as Post graduate courses and also help them in getting jobs as some teaching programmes are career oriented. Self appraisal reports are submitted by the individual teachers besides some instances of obtaining the feed back from students. Some departments have established linkages with some industries and establishments of Hamirpur. Some teachers of the college are represented in their respective Board of Studies of H.P. University. Teaching schedules and examination schedules are provided to the students in advance. However, the college authorities have to lay emphasis on spoken English classes for the benefit of students to improve their communication skills.

Criterion II: Teaching-Learning and Evaluation:
The college follows rules of H.P. University for academic programmes and conduction of examinations. Teaching work load pattern is followed as per H.P. Govt. rules. Around 18-22 hours of work per week is done by each teacher. 75% attendance is compulsory. Both annual and semester system pattern of examination is followed. Each department conducts class room tests. House tests, assignments, student seminars, presentations, questioning the students after teaching each chapter in the class room, quizs etc. are the methods periodically adopted for betterment of students and their performance in the examinations. Personal counselling is taken up at college level. The college imparts teaching through class room technology and use of audio visual aids.

Guest faculty is invited from H.P. University and from other colleges to give special or extension lectures on current aspects related to concerned subject curricula. Principal and staff take keen interest in advising and guiding students periodically. The results on the whole so far indicate satisfactory performance. A student of B.A. I was placed third in the university merit list. However, efforts be made by the college authorities to reduce drop out rate. Science day, talks on topics like 50 years of DNA, water is elxier, talks on All India Radio are arranged for the benefit of students and to tap their creativity. One Post graduate student has qualified in NET/SLET examination.

Criterion III: Research, Consultancy and Extension:
The institution has been involved in the promotion of research. Out of 68 teachers, 21 are Ph.D holders and 34 are M.Phil. Remaining teachers are encouraged to register for doing Ph.D./M.Phil. This is creditable achievement and performance indicator of institutional involvement in innovative thinking to perform better in imparting subject matter to the students and also to keep abreast with the recent trends. Around 40 research papers published by the teachers of science and commerce subjects in peer reviewed journals indicate their thirst for knowledge and aptitude towards acquiring advanced knowledge. The Principal himself has published 17 research papers and some books besides encouraging research culture in faculty. The college library has 6 journals subscribed catering to the needs of those involved in research. Two major research projects and two minor research projects were sanctioned by the UGC and are in progress. Some more projects applied by the teaching staff await approval. The college has also received Rs.9.0 lakhs as UGC tenth plan development grant which includes allocation for upgradation of labs thus helping modernisation. Two teachers are involved in guiding students for M.Phil. The staff has shown keen interest in project work involving students both at UG and PG level. Science students in particular like biosciences have conducted programmes on mushroom cultivation, water management, environmental awareness etc. Arts and social science departments have also conducted different programmes like quizs, debates and essay writing to benefit the students Rs.1.45 lacs has been sanctioned as grant-in-aid by the UGC for the establishment of network resource centre in the college.

The college being Govt. college and teaching positions are transferable from one place to another, the staff faces difficulties in taking up extension activities based on their research findings. However, the faculty has shown keen interest in extension activities. The Principal and an advisory committee look into the needs of teachers involved in research and extend infrastructural facilities and also necessary finances to do research.

Thus, in conclusion, it can be said that the institution promotes research culture among faculty, publication of the research papers, presentation of research data in conferences, seminars etc. besides taking up some community need based awareness programmes like watershed management, conservation of flora and fauna, computer application, Aids Awareness Programme and others.

Criterion IV: Infrastructure and Learning Resources:
The college has a spacious campus of 24.82 acres. Academic facilities including spacious lecture halls well maintained laboratories have come up over the period of time. The laboratories are utilized to optimum level.

The college has ample space for the projected expansion in future. The campus is absolutely serene and beautiful. Besides the capital grants from State Govt., Central Govt. and U.G.C., the college contributes for augmentation of infrastructure through college funds and P.T.A fund. The overall maintenance of the campus and buildings is good. NSS volunteers render their services for this purpose. However, the upkeep and maintenance of laboratories, equipments therein needs to be properly attended to.

The library consists of 25104 books. The computers and accessories are maintained on call basis. The institution has commendable sports facilities consisting of multistation gymnasium, judo, weight lifting and outdoor games with 400 meters 6 lanes track.

Special efforts are taken to boost the sports activities. Different incentives are provided to promote active participation in sports. Mementos and prizes are distributed in the special felicitation ceremony. The all-round active support to sports persons has resulted in commendable participation at state, University and national level by the players of the college. Recently one player has been conferred with prestigious state level 'PARSHURAM' award.

The women's hostel with an intake capacity of 40 girls has been established in the college campus. Hostel facility for the 90 women students is being extended with the support of UGC funding.

Criterion V: Student Support and Progression:
The College comes out with the prospectus every year. It consists of relevant details facilitating the admission process. Financial assistance is provided to needy students through different types of scholarships and free ships like merit, brilliant-cum- poverty, IRDP, SC/ST/OBC scholarships. Approximately 8 to 10% of total students are the beneficiaries of such aid. Sports events, cultural programmes, competitions and such other variety of activities are undertaken for the recreation and overall development of students. Proper drinking water facilities, good canteen and an extension counter of an urban co-operative bank are provided to facilitate the student support activities. The students passing out from this institution seek admission to P.G. courses in other prestigious centers all over the country. Post Graduate courses in Commerce,
Economics, Hindi and English have been introduced in last decade and are well received by the students.

The college has 3 active units of NSS with the intake capacity of 300 volunteers. NSS unit is actively participating in social volunteering. Successively for last 3 years, the NSS volunteers have participated in RD parade. NCC unit of 4th HP Bn Hamirpur with 70 boys and forms a strong unit for the institution and 22 women cadet form other unit attachment with the NCC Bn in Solan. Representation in National Integration Camp, Basic Leadership Camp and good number of B and C certificate holders is commendable.

Criterion VI: Organization and Management:
The teaching and non-teaching staff is appointed and governed by the rules of State Public Service Commission. It being a Govt. College, the staff is transferable. Different committees are formed for the departmental expenditure, Library work and infrastructure development. The overall maintenance of records, documents, dead stock registers and financial registers is prompt and efficient. The systems and procedures followed for administrative work are as per Govt. Rules and transparent. Internal audit and external audit by Chartered Accountant is regularly done. Though there is not a formal structured grievance redressal mechanism, the problems are resolved through personal dialogue.

Criterion VII: Healthy Practices:
The worth mentioning healthy practices followed by the College are under:

Student advisory committee is formed to look into the day to day problems of students and solve them at the earliest.

Discipline committee helps in maintaining a healthy and peaceful atmosphere in the campus and also fair conduct of examinations.

Adequate steps are taken to maintain the class rooms, laboratories and augmentation of facilities.

Parent Teacher Association, a registered body, elects its executive committee which decides on judicious spending of money (PTA fund) for the welfare of students and teachers.

Students are encouraged to give seminar talks, present project work and participate in quiz programmes.

Teachers contributed money is distributed as an aid to poor and deserving students and also to those who are not covered under different scholarship schemes. This is monitored through a special committee.

Students who come from rural, tribal and backward areas are given adequate attention to improve upon their subject knowledge.

Admission process and Accounting systems are transparent.

SECTION 3: OVERALL ANALYSIS:
The college was established in 1965 with only 165 students. Today it has more than 4500 students studying on the campus which makes the college legitimately proud of its growth.

The college has strengthened the regular academic programmes of Undergraduate and Postgraduate level by introducing self-financing course like BCA. Computer Application a vocational course under UGC programme is also being run by the College. IGNOU study centre has also been set up in the college under distant education programme. The College has recently received sanction from National Council of Teacher Education to start 'Bachelor of Physical Education' course.

The college has constraints in designing the course curriculum as all this is determined and decided by the Himachal Pradesh University, Shimla. The college authorities, however, follow the course curriculum in letter and spirit.

The teaching methodology continues to be dominated by lecture method. The system of evaluation is under the control of Himachal Pradesh University, Shimla which conducts the examinations, declares the results and also evolve diploma and degree. The staff in general is highly qualified as more than 80% of them hold the degree of M.Phil and/or Ph.D.

The college has established three Computer labs of its own but presently is catering only to the students of BCA, vocational subject etc. It has yet to start its services in the library, college office and development of teaching aids/packages/learning CDs

It was heartening to see that some of the college teachers are actively involved in research activity in spite of limited infrastructural facilities. There is no scope for any kind of consultancy by the college as there is neither an industry nor any professional programmes in and around the district of the Hamirpur. The college, however, time and again has contributed in the promotion of extension work by NSS/NCC units through various programmes like AIDS Awareness, Literacy programmes, Blood Donation Camps etc. The financial support made by the P.T.A. towards construction activity and wages of part time adhoc staff members is laudable.

The performance of the college in the sports activities is excellent. Its achievements at University/State/National level are appreciable. Some of the students of the college have made them proud through their achievements at the national level. It has obtained the University championship last year. The students of this college have also performed exceedingly well in the cultural events like youth festival.
In nutshell, the college is striving hard in providing undergraduate and postgraduate education in consonance with its aim and objectives. They have also started looking in quality improvement in education.

Recommendations:
Periodical interactions between teachers of different faculties have to be arranged to identify issues of mutual interest and local importance.

The college may constitute subject sub-committees to recommend the changes in the course curriculum so that these could be forwarded to the Himachal University, Shimla for consideration.

It should approach the Agriculture and Horticulture departments for starting short term courses, like fruit and vegetable preservation, farm machinery and tools repairs, etc. as per local needs as this is need of the region which has a strong agrarian base.

Setting up of a language laboratory shall prove to be much helpful for developing proficiency in languages.

College may plan for organizing coaching classes to make the students to face the competitive examinations comfortably.

The teaching departments should participate in programmes like COSIP/COHSSIP/COSIST with the assistance of UGC.

Social work need not be confined to NSS volunteers alone. Teachers and students may be encouraged to participate in socially relevant projects on an ongoing basis.

The college may provide facilities to make the staff members in the office as computer literate.

The college may approach the Sports Authority of India for financing the college by way of better playgrounds and for the construction of a multipurpose gymnasium hall. The help of the University Grants Commission may also be tapped. Further, the coaches for the different games need to be provided.

The library system needs to be upgraded by adding more books to meet the growing requirements. The library should be connected to other libraries through the internet. The library also should start using the computer for cataloguing and other library services. The college should subscribe to standard journals and periodicals for its library. Book Bank scheme be introduced to serve the students.

Grievance Redressal Mechanism Cell with representations from parents, teachers, non-teaching staff and students may be established.

Formalisation of activities of the alumni association will be a boon to contemplate plans for progress and development of the college.

Employment Cell and Placement Cell should be made more useful to the students.

The college will do well in formulating feed back and evaluation from the stakeholders. Course/faculty evaluation by students will provide excellent inputs for the faculty to fine tune curriculum and skills. Similar feed back from alumni and peer institutions will provide quality curriculum.

The college is advised to establish some linkages with institutes of higher learning within the state as well as outside the state. There is a need to sensitise research culture where it has yet to take off. The faculty members should approach the different agencies to pursue the research and also to take up minor/major research projects.

It is suggested that the college takes up the pending construction works.

Support facilities in Biosciences like Animal House, Botanical Garden and Museum needs to be strengthened.

The Peer Team is of the opinion that this exercise will be useful to the institution in initiating the quality enhancement strategies for further growth, development and in its march towards excellence.